The iconic courtroom drama Perry Mason, starring the incomparable Raymond Burr, graced television screens for nine seasons from 1957 to 1966. While many associate this classic series with the black and white aesthetic of its era, a curious detail often sparks intrigue: the existence of a single episode filmed in vibrant color. Why was this the case? Let’s delve into the fascinating reasons behind this unique television anomaly.
The Changing Landscape of Television
To understand the solitary color episode of Perry Mason, we must first consider the technological evolution of television during the late 1950s and early 1960s. While color television sets were slowly gaining popularity, black and white sets remained the dominant force in American households.
Network executives faced a dilemma: investing in expensive color filming and broadcasting technology while the majority of viewers could not experience the full impact. This financial constraint significantly influenced programming decisions, including those related to Perry Mason.
The Color Episode: “The Case of the Twice-Told Twist”
Season 9, Episode 12, titled “The Case of the Twice-Told Twist,” holds the distinction of being the only Perry Mason episode filmed and broadcast in color. Airing on February 9, 1966, this episode offered viewers a glimpse into the future of television, showcasing the potential of color to enhance storytelling.
The plot itself is classic Perry Mason: a complex murder mystery unfolds, complete with twists, turns, and a dramatic courtroom showdown. While the storyline doesn’t deviate significantly from the show’s established formula, the use of color adds a layer of visual richness, bringing the characters and settings to life in a new way.
Perry Mason in color
A Strategic Marketing Decision
The decision to film “The Case of the Twice-Told Twist” in color was not solely driven by creative aspirations. It was a strategic move by CBS, the network behind Perry Mason, to promote the growing accessibility of color television. By showcasing a popular program in color, CBS aimed to entice viewers to upgrade their television sets and embrace the future of broadcasting.
This tactic was not uncommon during this period of television history. Networks often used special color broadcasts of popular shows to boost color television sales and demonstrate its captivating capabilities.
The Legacy of Perry Mason’s Color Experiment
While “The Case of the Twice-Told Twist” remains the only Perry Mason episode in color, its legacy extends beyond its unique visual style. This episode stands as a testament to the evolving nature of television technology and the industry’s willingness to experiment with new storytelling tools.
It also serves as a reminder that even classic, beloved shows were subject to the influence of market forces and technological advancements. The decision to film one episode in color, while seemingly a minor detail, reflects a pivotal moment in television history.
Conclusion
The existence of a single color episode of Perry Mason is a fascinating anecdote that speaks to a time of significant transition in television history. Driven by technological advancements and marketing strategies, “The Case of the Twice-Told Twist” offered viewers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of television, where color would become the norm.
While the rest of the series remains a testament to the power of black and white storytelling, this lone color episode serves as a unique and intriguing footnote in Perry Mason’s enduring legacy.
